Former Australian Equestrian Gold Medalist Ruled Out of Tokyo Olympics 2020 After Horse is Deemed Unfit

Team Australia has been thriving at the Tokyo Olympics 2020. The athletes from down under have had a wonderful week so far, but equestrian could change all of that. Former Sydney 2000 gold medalist Stuart Tinney will not compete in the eventing championships.

Stuart Tinney and Leporis ruled out of Tokyo Olympics 2020

Stuart Tinney received bad news after successfully going through the first inspection for the eventing championships. According to veterinarians, Leporis, a 10-year-old gelding, wasn’t fit enough for the championships. Hence, Kevin McNab and Don Quidam will replace them at today’s first session.

The first session in eventing kicks off with dressage, as it’s the one equestrian sport that combines the rest. In the first session, Great Britain’s Oliver Townend led the table with an immaculate performance and only picked up 23.60 penalty points. Australia’s Shane Rose was the only member of his team to perform so far, and pick up 31.70 penalty points.

Perhaps losing a former Olympic gold medalist would hurt the Australian eventing team. However, the new eventing format only requires two athletes to perform, while the third member is an alternate. But losing the world #12 will affect their medal hopes severely.

The Kevin McNab-Don Quidam combination has seen little success at CCI4* and CSI2* events. However, Aussie equestrian fans have to put their faith in the world #24’s hands as he takes on the dressage test at the Tokyo Olympics 2020.

Irish equestrian also make last-minute change to their squad

Just like the Aussie team, Ireland made a giant last-minute change to their eventing squad for Friday’s competition. We will see Austin O’Connor step into Cathal Daniels’ place after the Irish eventing ace’s mare had some fitness complications. These incidents remind us that equestrian isn’t just about the athlete but about the horse too.

Horse health is a priority; they are as crucial to the medal-winning process as a skilled rider. Losing Cathal Daniels would hurt the team a little, especially since he is their highest ranking eventer at #18. Austin O’Connor and Colorado Blue will replace Daniels and his injured mare Rioghan Rua.

Horsesport Ireland also put out a statement after the shocking withdrawal. “Obviously this is really tough for Cathal and for Rioghan Rua’s owner and breeder Margaret Kinsella, particularly with it happening so close to the start of the competition. We did everything we could and gave the mare every chance to be ready but unfortunately we were forced to make a decision and of course horse welfare is always paramount for everyone.”

Read more: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Congratulate Charlotte Dujardin for Becoming the Most Decorated British Female Olympian